‘A Christmas Carol’ opens at the Goodman Theatre

Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol opened Monday, November 28, for its 45th annual production at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and runs through Dec. 31. 

No Christmas tradition cuts to the heart of the holiday quite like this classic tale, which follows wealthy businessman Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey through time as a series of spirits show him how his painful past led to his miserly present and — if he doesn’t change — a cold, lonely future. Scrooge is played by local favorite Larry Yando for his 15th year in the role. Opposite Yando, 10-year-old Chicagoan Vikram Konkimalla plays Tiny Tim, the son of Scrooge’s underpaid employee Bob Cratchit, who embodies the Christmas spirit despite his poor health.

This is a very special year for the Goodman Theatre production, as the theater welcomes its new artistic director, Susan Booth, who was present at the opening night reception and performance, which she says is directed by her “old friend” Jessica Thebus. Her favorite part?

“The moment when Scrooge wakes up and realizes that it’s Christmas morning and that he has possibility in front of him,” says Booth. ”Every time I see it, no matter who plays the role, I personally think, ‘Yeah you, too sister. You have time and runway to change.’ I love that scene.”

Additional special events include Arts In Action: Home for the Holidays, a free ticketed panel discussion about Dickens’s views on poverty with Susan Reyna-Guerrero (Executive Director, Covenant House), Neena Arndt (Resident Dramaturg, Goodman Theatre) and representatives from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless on Dec. 10.

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